Plenty is swirling around about NCAA programs and the use of scouting services.  Let me see if we can clear some things up.  The following is our interpretation of the bylaw:

It is not permissible under NCAA regulations to use any scouting service paid or free that does not meet certain criteria.  This includes viewing any website (Rivals, Scout, etc.) YouTube and newspapers, whose primary purpose is not recruiting, are exempted.  A specific form must be filled out and completed by any service a, website a college program would like to use.

The primary focus is on non scholastic activities being filmed and only offered to a select group of people and not the general public.  These websites are illegal for college programs whether a college coach views the site or not, it is still illegal. 

In a statement by an NCAA representative, the NCAA shot a cannon blast across the bow of Rivals (Rivals was signaled) and its competitors.

“If a recruiting or scouting service, such as Rivals.com, provides nonscholastic video that is not available for free to the general public, then an institution may not subscribe to the service per Bylaw 13.14.3. All recruiting/scouting services are held to the same legislated standard and we consider Rivals.com to be a recruiting/scouting service.” ~ http://www.trackemtigers.com/2011/4/9/2100383/recruiting-services-outlawed-by-ncaa